Liverpool set to steal a march on United for gifted midfielder with talks planned in coming days – report

Manchester United’s move for the next Michael Essien is under threat, given the latest from Merseyside. Back in early February, The Peoples Person covered a report claiming the Red Devils were intensively scouting FC Nordsjaelland midfielder Caleb Yirenkyi, with director of football Jason Wilcox having asked the club’s scouts to follow the Ghana international closely. Now, if the 20-time English champions are to make a move for the 20-year-old, the next few weeks will prove crucial. If United fail to act, they risk losing Yirenkyi to bitter rivals Liverpool. Liverpool’s Yirenkyi plot As per The Anfield Watch, the Reds will use the upcoming international break to convince Yirenkyi over a summer move to Anfield. The UK outlet reports: “Liverpool have arranged to hold talks with Yirenkyi’s representatives during the March international break. “During this process, Liverpool officials will have an opportunity to present their plans and try to convince Yirenkyi’s representatives over a move to Anfield.” That is a bold move from the Reds, one that should force the midfielder’s other suitors to show their hand. Man United hope Interestingly, the report goes on to suggest it might not be only Liverpool holding talks with the midfielder during the break, as it is further revealed: “In this crucial period to determine Yirenkyi’s future, his agents and his family members will tour a number of clubs to hold discussions about their prospective visions for the future.” United fans will be hoping that this “Yirenkyi tour” passes through Carrington, and that INEOS are also in conversations with the exciting midfield talent, convincing him that United represent his next best step. Why he is labelled the next Essien Dubbed the next Essien, Yirenkyi earns that comparison through his versatility; he can also play at right-back, and the way he combines physical power, high-intensity ball-winning, and intelligent, progressive passing at the centre of the park. He looks tailor-made for the Premier League. He could certainly prove a brilliant midfield addition for the Red Devils, but only if they are proactive in this race. 🌟If you’re a fan of Camavinga, you’re going to fall in love with Caleb Yirenkyi. The kid is a special talent. Manchester United and several other big teams are reportedly following him closely. I’ll have an in-depth breakdown ready tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/tBqiFsAxe0 — Rising Gems (@RisingGemsz) February 12, 2026 Like United, Liverpool are looking to revamp their engine room and may well be ready to go toe-to-toe for the special talent that Yirenkyi is. Featured image Michael Regan via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Daniel Onguko Dan is a writer with The Peoples Person, an avid Manchester United fan whose passion for the Red Devils evolved into writing about them. He was introduced to United back in 2008, and his love for the club has continued to grow ever since. Like every other United fan, he believes the club will soon return to its rightful place and strives to reflect that belief in his writing. While he has also written about other Premier League sides, including Arsenal for Just Arsenal and The Arsenal Analysis Blogspot, Dan lives and breathes Manchester United.